Time Ticking for Dellums' Decision

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If Mayor Ron Dellums decides to throw his hat into the ring seeking a second term, the race will change.

Updated at 9:45 AM PDT on Wednesday, Aug 4, 2010

Will he or won't he?

Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums is running out of time to seek a second term. The deadline to file the paperwork is Friday and the mayor isn't talking about his plans. In fact he's skipping scheduled public appearances.

Dellums was a no-show at the Oakland National Night Out kick-off event and parties Tuesday night. One staffer said he wasn't feeling well. Another said he was attending to urgent business.

The mayor's absence is fueling speculation about his intentions. The field of candidates for mayor is growing. If Dellums decides to throw his hat into the ring seeking a second term, the race will change.

One thing's for sure: The next mayor of Oakland will have to tackle a budget crisis and crime concerns.